emerge from the shadows
/ɪˈmɜːrdʒ frəm ðə ˈʃædoʊz/
Meaning
This phrase can be used literally to mean coming out of a dark area into the light. Figuratively, it means to become visible, known, or successful after a period of obscurity, secrecy, or being ignored.
Examples
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After years of working behind the scenes, the young designer is finally ready to emerge from the shadows.
After years of working behind the scenes, the young designer is finally ready to emerge from the shadows.
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The shy student decided to emerge from the shadows and run for class president.
The shy student decided to emerge from the shadows and run for class president.
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A new contender has emerged from the shadows to challenge the current champion.
A new contender has emerged from the shadows to challenge the current champion.
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As the sun rose, we watched the deer slowly emerge from the shadows of the forest.
As the sun rose, we watched the deer slowly emerge from the shadows of the forest.
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The tech startup has finally emerged from the shadows with a groundbreaking new app.
The tech startup has finally emerged from the shadows with a groundbreaking new app.
Common Mistakes
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✗ He emerged out of the shadows after a long time.
✓ He emerged from the shadows after a long time.
The standard collocation is 'emerge from the shadows.' While 'out of' is understood, 'from' is much more natural and idiomatic.
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✗ The actor emerged from the shades to accept his award.
✓ The actor emerged from the shadows to accept his award.
'Shades' refers to sunglasses or window coverings. Use 'shadows' to refer to darkness or obscurity.
Related Expressions
Practice
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The talented musician is finally ready to ___ and release her first solo album.
💡 Step out of obscurity and become known.
Show answer
emerge from the shadows
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In the movie, the hero must ___ to save his city.
💡 Come out of hiding or secrecy.
Show answer
emerge from the shadows